Gay Pride

Carl Paladino, the Tea Party-backed candidate for governor of New York, has touched off controversy by telling a group of Orthodox Jewish leaders that he doesn't want children to "be brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option."

He attempted to explain his comments on 'Today' (weekdays, 7 AM ET on NBC.)

"I have absolutely no problem with (homosexuality)," Paladino told Matt Lauer. "My only reservation is marriage."

Lauer then pointed out that Paladino hadn't said that he doesn't want school children to be brainwashed into accepting gay marriage, rather he had said he didn't want them to be brainwashed into accepting homosexuality as an "equally valid or successful option."